Kings Acquire Jeff Carter from Blue Jackets for Jack Johnson

The Los Angeles Kings pulled off a blockbuster trade on Thursday night by acquiring center Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and their first round pick in either 2012 or 2013. If Los Angeles misses the playoffs this year, then Columbus will get their first round pick in 2013. If the Kings make the playoffs this season, then the Blue Jackets can choose either the 2012 or 2013 pick. Carter is under contract through the 2021-22 season and comes with an annual salary cap hit of $5.272 million, while Johnson's contract averages $4.357 million per season and expires after the 2017-18 season. In 39 games this season with the Blue Jackets, Carter has 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points. He missed 20 games this season with a fractured foot and separated shoulder. In 61 games with the Kings, Johnson has eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points. The Kings had been in the market for a scoring forward and they got that in Carter. He has lots of offensive and goal-scoring skill, as well as decent size and a good shot. Look for Carter to be reunited with former teammate Mike Richards, who was traded to Los Angeles by Philadelphia this past summer. The Blue Jackets have added a quality defenseman in Johnson who will bring lots of mobility, offensive upside, and toughness to their blueline. Look for the Blue Jackets to continue to move assets for their rebuild as the February 27 Trade Deadline approaches.

Kings Sign Defenseman Jack Johnson to Seven-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a seven-year contract extension worth $30.5 million. The deal averages out to $4.35 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent this summer. In 41 games so far this season, Johnson has four goals and 27 assists for 31 points. In 241 career NHL games, all with the Kings, he has 21 goals and 68 assists for 89 points and 222 penalty minutes. Originally a first round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, he was traded to Los Angeles in September 2006 with Oleg Tverdovsky in exchange for Tim Gleason and Eric Belanger. This is a great move for the Kings, as Johnson has emerged as one of their top defensemen, next to Drew Doughty. He's a great skater with lots of mobility, has plenty of offensive upside, and can play a physical game, making him an all-around effective defenseman for the team.

Kings Re-Sign Defenseman Johnson to Two-Year Deal

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a two-year contract worth $2.85 million. The deal averages out to $1.425 million per season. In 41 games last season with the Kings, Johnson scored six goals and five assists for 11 points and 46 penalty minutes. He missed the first 41 games of last season with a shoulder injury. In 120 career games, all with the Kings, he has nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points and 140 penalty minutes. This is a great signing for the Kings, as Johnson has great offensive skill and potential, especially on the power play, and plays with plenty of toughness. He is very affordable at $1.425 per season and is poised to have a break-out season within the next two years. If he does, look for the Kings to try to lock him up long-term two years from now.

Kings Claim Quincey Off Waivers

The Los Angeles Kings announced on Monday that they have claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. The claiming of Quincey off waivers came soon after the Kings reported that defenseman Jack Johnson will miss three months with an arm injury sustained in the October 12 game against the San Jose Sharks. Last season with the Red Wings, Quincey appeared in six games and going pointless in those games. He has yet to appear in a game this season. The Red Wings waived Quincey in an effort to trim payroll. The team was over the salary cap prior to the start of the season and were rumored shopping Quincey and Derek Meech. With a leg injury to Chris Chelios that put him on injured reserve, the Red Wings were able to buy a little bit of time to get below the salary cap. Quincey gives the Kings a physical defenseman who has lots of potential. He will be a decent replace for the rugged Johnson until he returns from injury.